"Gospel of Thomas" as a forgery
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I'm sure many are familiar with The Secret Teachings of all Ages by Manly P. Hall and I'm sure many purchase it and just set it on the shelf to look smart. But, for those who have read it, I have a question. In the chapter on 'Mystic Christianity' towards the back around page 586 2nd paragraph Hall writes 'The child Christ is presresented almost as an imp, cursing and destroying those who annoy him." This aporcryphal work, calculated to inspire its readers with fear and trembling, was popular duing the Middle Ages because it was in full accord with the cruel and persecuting spirit of medieval Christianity. Like many other early sacred books, the book of Thomas was FABRICATED for two closely allied purposes: first, to outshine the pagans in miracle working; second, to inspire all unbelievers with the "fear of the Lord." Apocrypha writings of this sort have no possible basis in fact.
Alright well I find it odd that this book can be considered one of necessity for all occultists. Where are these claims based? Anyone who reads the Gospel of Thomas can see that it doesn't even speak of Jesus as a child at all. It is him speaking as an adult, in fact. What evidence is there that the Gnostic gospels are forgeries?
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The "Gospel of Thomas" was, I believe, discovered in the '40s in Nag Hammadi. And would have been unknown in the '20s.
I'm guessing that the Manly P Hall is referring to the "Infancy Gospel of Thomas". It was likely written in the 1st or 2nd century, AD:
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Also, for what it's worth, forgery isn't really the right word here. None of the gospels (including the canonical 4) were signed. All of them (including the canonical 4) were written from an individual perspective that generally did not coincide with any of the others. 4 were chosen out of the hundreds by the church fathers to receive the approval of the church. That doesn't necessarily make them any more historical or legitimate than the others.